CEMEX completes Experto Ako! Masonry skills training program in Cebu

October 10, 2014

CEMEX Philippines Foundation recently completed the second installment of Experto Ako! Masonry Skills Training Program in Naga City, Cebu which aims to produce more professional builders and skilled workers.

Leveraging on the program’s success in Rizal last year, the company brought the program to Cebu to be able to generate more professional masons in the community.

The Experto Ako! program is a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to professional building. Apart from its lessons and modules on cement application and equipment, there are also workshops on leadership, communication skills, and even client relations.

During the graduation, CEMEX Foundation’s partner Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Minglanilla Chapter Administrator Neil Cantiveros reported that all the CEMEX mason scholars passed the evaluation for the TESDA National Certification. This credential will give them the edge in applying for jobs.

Experto Ako! mason scholars with CEMEX leaders, Naga City representative, and TESDA officers flash thumbs-up signs as they finally complete the skills development program

“There won’t be any infrastructure projects that can be completed without the help of masons,” said Cantiveros. “This is why we really support CEMEX in their goal to professionalize the skills of our builders.”

“I am really grateful that I was part of the first group that underwent the training here in Cebu. Experto Ako! was a great experience and a big opportunity for all of us. We are all so happy to attend the graduation,” said Marvin Cañete in dialect, top 1 of the class.

Marvin Cañete, top 1 of the class, receives his certificate of completion during the CEMEX Experto Ako! graduation

In fact, during the third week of the course, a construction company already expressed its intention to hire all the Cebu scholars once the training is done.

“The country is in need of more masons who are well equipped to build better homes and buildings. The completion of this course only means that you (masons) have passed all the requirements and tests to prove your professional skills. We trust that you will value this partnership we have with you here in the City of Naga and we hope that you will use this to contribute to the welfare of your communities,” said Chito Maniago, CEMEX Philippines Foundation executive director, during the commencement exercises.

Experto Ako! masonry skills training program is under CEMEX Philippines Foundation’s umbrella Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program called Build the Nation Together.

“We really designed this program to help professionalize the rank of stone workers and builders in the construction industry, we also see it as a way of giving back to the community,” adds Maniago.